From the Research
To remove a stuck contact lens, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then apply a few drops of preservative-free saline solution or rewetting drops to lubricate your eye and the lens, and gently pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger to remove it 1. When attempting to remove a stuck contact lens, it is essential to prioritize caution to avoid causing further irritation or damage to the eye.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing any bacteria or other contaminants into your eye.
- Apply a few drops of preservative-free saline solution or rewetting drops to lubricate your eye and the lens, making it easier to remove the lens without causing discomfort or injury.
- Look in the direction opposite to where the lens is stuck, then gently pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger to remove it. If the lens is centered on your cornea but won't budge, try the "slide and pinch" method—slide the lens off your cornea onto the white of your eye before pinching it out, as recommended by general medical knowledge and supported by the principles outlined in studies such as 2 and 3. Never use your fingernails or tweezers, as these can scratch your eye and potentially lead to more severe complications, including infection or vision loss. If the lens remains stuck after several attempts, keep your eye closed, apply more lubricating drops, and wait 15-30 minutes before trying again, taking care to follow proper hygiene and handling procedures to minimize the risk of infection or other adverse outcomes, as suggested by the treatment approaches discussed in 4 and 5. Contact lenses typically stick when eyes become dry or when you fall asleep wearing them, so preventing stuck lenses in the future involves staying hydrated, using rewetting drops regularly, and following the recommended wearing schedule for your specific lens type, aligning with the general principles of eye care and contact lens management. If you experience pain, redness, or vision changes, or if you cannot remove the lens after multiple attempts, seek immediate professional help from an eye care provider, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that requires prompt medical attention, such as an infection or corneal abrasion, as discussed in 1.